Cool Water Offers Lunch Oasis

2217 N. College Ave.

Fayetteville

Life is short. Let’s talk about dessert first. The Chocolate Majesty at Cool Water Village Cafe made our mouths water for a week after our lunch visit. This warm, calorie-filled cocoa concoction ($6) is served with ice cream on the side, and it earned an entire review star on its own. The Majesty takes a few extra minutes for the kitchen to prepare, but chocolate addicts shouldn’t miss this one.

That said, Cool Water generally impressed us. The interior design is attractive and comfortable. Stained glass windows, a full bar complete with wall waterfalls and a recreation room that sports a large cigar add to the upscale atmosphere for the restaurant.

Perusing the menu, we found an eclectic collection of foods from deep fried mushrooms ($5) to a seafood salad ($8).

It was while looking at our options that we discovered an inconstancy in Cool Water’s presentation. Although he was perfectly polite, our waiter seemed uninformed about the dishes on the menu. We’ve since heard the same observation from other diners. Perhaps taste-training sessions would equip the wait staff to smoothly handle inquiring customers.

We ordered a batch of onion rings ($4) as an appetizer. Ranch dip made the large fried pieces especially tasty, and we also enjoyed fresh rolls with butter and honey.

For the entrée, one member of our party sampled the bacon cheeseburger ($6.25) with sautéed mushrooms and homemade potato chips. The diner said the burger tasted better than some steaks he’s eaten, but the chips were “so-so.” All Cool Water sandwiches are served on homemade white or rye bread.

A second diner tried the rib-eye steak sandwich ($9). With the exception of one gristle-filled bite, he said the sandwich tasted great. His steak was served blackened, a surprise that he didn’t mind.

Another sandwich lover took a chance and tried the Reuben ($7). Lots of restaurants offer a version of this classic, but few get it right, according to our expert. Shaved meat is the key, she said, and Cool Water served one of the best she’s had in Northwest Arkansas. Her only complaint was that her pickle was warm, indicating a possible stint under the heat lamp while the other dishes were being prepared.

Cool Water also offers a few options for lighter lunches, including the Margarita salad ($7) that features “fat-free” cilantro/lime dressing, grilled chicken and mixed greens. One diner in our group opted for the grilled lemon chicken ($6) from the light menu. Juicy and tender, this chicken breast was served with a lemon wedge on a bed of angel hair pasta. A side of seasonal vegetables — squash and zucchini on our visit — also came with the meal. Although our coworker enjoyed the meal, she noted that the veggies could have been more crisp.

Overall, we enjoyed our lunch visit, and we’ll return, soon.